A Whole-Hearted Bible Christian
By A. E. Dartt
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS:—I have often been comforted and strengthened by reading your letters in the Review, and I have felt that I ought not to be like the miser, who much receives and nothing gives; but for several reasons have neglected writing through the Review. I have been endeavoring by God's assisting grace to serve him with all my heart for many years, and have firmly believed that he would guide me into all truth, or at least all that is necessary for me to know. When I entered his service, I resolved to be a whole-hearted, Bible Christian, to make religion the business of my life, renouncing the world, bearing every cross, performing every duty pointed out by the word and Spirit of God. I knew but little of the Advent movement in '43-4, but I firmly believed that if it was of God I should understand it sooner or later. After the time appointed passed I supposed that all who had been looking for the Lord felt that they had been deceived and gave up their expectations. I did not know that there was one in the world who had any faith in the Lord's speedy coming. But to my great surprise I was led unexpectedly by the Spirit of God and the application of his word to my soul to believe that his coming was near; and O! the joy and peace that filled my soul! How I longed for that blessed hour to arrive when I should behold the lovely face of Jesus and be like him. If in the least I gave way to doubts or fears with regard to his coming, my joy would vanish at once, and darkness fill my mind, and my religious enjoyment, my fortitude under temptations and trials from that day to this have been in proportion to my faith in his soon coming. Many are ready to say, if we live so as to be ready for death at any time, why need we care particularly about his soon coming? This had been my manner of life for more than twenty years; but since I have tasted the joys of those who "look" for him and are waiting his appearing, nothing else can satisfy me but to see him as he is. I have been endeavoring to keep the Bible Sabbath for about three years and a half. I have not a doubt about the seventh day's being the Sabbath of the Lord. Dear brethren and sisters, let us each remember it is only those who endure to the end that are to be saved. I desire an interest in all of your prayers. A. E. DARTT.
Baraboo, June 28th, 1855.